Music and How It Affects Games

We have all had that one moment. You are just casually playing a game and all of a sudden a song comes up that you never forget. There is something about it that sticks in your mind for years to come. Whether it be a boss battle or just a calmness that hits when you find a new town. Something about those first moments triggers something that feels so right. They can add so much to the emotions and feel at that time of the story. Here are some of my favorite songs and a brief description of how it added feeling to the scene.

(Viewer beware! Ahead lies spoilers! Continue at your own risk!)

1. Vector to the Heavens
This is one of the final fights in Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days. It plays as you have to fight and kill your best friend in self defense. The only way to save the worlds was by killing her. This led to the main character gaining back his true power as she was siphoning off of it and holding half for herself. The real kicker is that not only did she want him to kill her, but by doing so meant that anyone who ever had contact with her would forget her instantly. Imagine having to kill your best friend and watch them die as you forget about them. This music adds so much more value to the fight because it forces you to remember all the sweet times and memories with her. You know that she doesn't want to do this, but its the only way to make things right. I wont be afraid to admit I cried.

2. Gerudo Valley
This next one is from The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. This plays as you enter the section of the world named Gerudo Valley. Here you face massive dunes and a dust blown city. The sense of wilderness is in the air and you really feel awed by the scenes and city. This song pushes that feeling to the next level and really gets you engrossed in the game. You become one with scenery as you push through the hot desert. I don't think they could have made a better song to fit with the game area. It's no wonder this game received the legendary 40/40 score!

3. Escape
Dying Light takes the next spot on the list with Escape. This song plays as you are right about to face the final boss. You fall into a sewer system and attract a horde of zombies called Volatiles that chase you. They are stronger, faster, and more agile than you. You have no choice but to run for your life with them right on your tail the whole time. It never lightens up seeing as you run they pop out of the sewer holes right in front off you. The whole 4 minute chase is blood-pumping and fast paced with split second decisions that mean life or death. This song captures that feeling perfectly.

Honorable Mention: Welcome to Rapture
I just couldn't leave this song out of this list. This plays as you enter the city of Rapture for the first time. You get a good look at the world under the ocean as a creepy recording plays for you in the background. It fills you with a sense of wonder and dread at the same time. You can't help but want to learn what lies in the underwater city, yet you know you shouldn't be there. The city was a hell, and you were about to dive into it unprepared.

As you can see, music has incredible influence on the feel of a scene. Just try putting the my little pony theme on for the escape section of Dying Light. I can guarantee you that the scariness factor drops to a 1 or 2 at max. Depending on what a developer wants you to feel, they will put a song fitting towards that emotion. Whether it be happy, sad, or suspenseful soundtracks music makes a world of difference.

I hope you enjoyed my post today! Would you kindly please up-vote if you did and follow me for more content soon! Comment your favorite songs below! Have a wonderful day.
source for image